Impact: Kintzler was among a group of relievers battling for a spot in the Brewers' bullpen. The fact that he had options left could have played into the decision, but poor performance also likely played a factor.

Rotowire: Mar 4 / 9:58a ET

News: Kintzler (knee) is scheduled to throw against the Angels on Thursday in the Brewers' Cactus League opener, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Impact: Kintzler's knee bothered him throughout the 2014 season, but the offseason surgery seems to have alleviated some of the pain it caused him last season. He indicated that he has regained his form from two seasons ago (when he posted a 2.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP), and should serve in a middle-relief role for the Brewers in 2015 if everything goes as planned.

Impact: Kintzler was limited by a sore knee for much of last season, but he still made 64 appearances and posted a 3.24 ERA. Now nearly healthy, he feels he has regained the mechanics that helped him post a 2.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 71 appearances in 2013. Kintzler worked primarily in middle relief last season, but if he avoids a setback this spring, he could make a push to be a factor in the late-inning mix.